About Jason M.

About Jason

TakeLessons.com Instructor since 2005, Jason M. is now available for online lessons worldwide featuring multiple-camera angles and a share screen experience leaving no stone un-turned!

Jason has been playing guitar for over 15 years and teaching music since 1996. Although trained in standard teaching methods, he has developed his own method of teaching to positively enhance the students strength, dexterity, ear-training, memorization and techniques. His goal as a teacher is specifically designed to help you achieve your goals as an artist and a musician.

This year Jason was also the Music Director at the National Guitar Workshop Day Jams Rock Music Day Camp where students ages 7-15 came out to form bands, record original material and master their craft. He also taught beginning to advanced guitar/ vocals/ performance and songwri

ting as hosted a recording clinic at the end of each day.

Jason has host student showcases/charity benefits where his students were able to get on stage and show off their new talent and perform with other musicians. It wasn't mandatory though, if you were just looking to come out and support there was no pressure other than to come out and have fun.

Jason has been transcribing for guitar and bass since the age of 18 and since then has become a master of the craft including both 5 line staff and tablature, hand-crafted exercises and deconstructions to better enhance the students learning. Artists and genres that Jason has experience with range from Classic Rock, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Guns N' Roses, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Robert Johnson, Pierce the Veil, Paramore, All Time Low, Demi Lava to, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Pantera, Avenged Sevenfold, The White Stripes, Green Day, Old Crow Medicine Show, Taylor Swift, Mumford and Sons, Bruno Mars, Rob Zombie, John 5, Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine, Van Morrison, the Beatles, AC/DC, ZZ-Top, Bullet For My Valentine, All That Remains, Ozzy, Black Label Society, Sublime, Aerosmith, At the Drive In, Type O Negative, the Black Keys, the Pixies, the Toadies, Black Sabbath, Jason Mraz, Lady GaGa, John Mayer and Journey.

Jason attended the University of Alaska, Anchorage where his degree is in Music and Business. He is constantly continuing his education with music theory courses as well as private guitar instruction. He attends guitar workshops and seminars by artists such as John5 and Kerry King who are known as some of the worlds finest guitar players. He reviews every day from a wide range of over 1000 sources working to become a better musician and instructor.

Another nice feature that you might enjoy from one on one sessions with Jason is learning the ability to craft and record your own songs using state of the art technology that caters to your own unique personality. There are no limits!

Jason teaches all experience levels from beginner to intermediate and advanced as well as artists that are signed to labels.

Local news outlet Fox 5 did a segment with one of his students who overcame issues with ADD and depression as a result of taking guitar lessons.

His students advance quickly, some have released albums, been in Guitar World Magazine as well as its online companion and won awards for their music websites.

*** Lesson Details ***Lessons are scheduled to best fit to the student's schedule when possible. Students receive complimentary audio lessons and transcriptions of songs upon their first or second session. Jason is a very patient instructor and understands that students learn at a different pace, after all everyone is an individual.

I've been playing with classical ensembles and rock bands since 2001. Even though I started on classical trombone and rock guitar, I have come to expand my repertoire to a variety of instruments and genres. During my time in college I performed with the University choir, orchestra, and band. I also have organized, wrote/arranged for, and performed with a variety of bands in my home state of New Mexico, as well as Japan, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Since 2006 I have been an active teacher. This profession has taken me everywhere from working with classical guitar cla

sses in New Mexico high schools to Elementary students in Japan to a variety of private students of various musical instruments and genres everywhere I've been. Since relocating to the Bay Area in 2010, I've had the pleasure of working with lots of great students from kids to adults with a wide range of ambitions. Since 2012 I've been running my own full time studio.

Philosophy of Learning

Lessons are generally designed to work towards giving students the tools to accomplish their goals and become increasingly independent over time. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. What kind of music do you want to make? I'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

I also love to help students put together a song, record, and produce it for them so that they can have a recording to share with their friends and family.

I also hold events for my students. (Check out our pictures and videos below!)Younger students have opportunities to perform for friends and family at my studio every few months. Once or twice a year we'll also stage a larger event off site for more individual students and bands classes to perform.Adult students also occasionally have events where they get a chance to get together and play music as well.

Aside from in-studio lessons, students also have the option to sign up for online lessons via Skype.(*Online lessons offered during different times than in-studio lessons.)

*Unfortunately due to scheduling issues, I'm not currently accepting students for bi-weekly lessons. I can do regular weekly lessons, or occasional drop-in lessons, but bi-weekly appointments make it really hard for me to give the best scheduled times to my existing weekly students. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

My studio is equipped with:

*Music Stands

*A P.A. System

*Vocal and instrument microphones

*Guitars, Basses, Ukulele, Banjos, etc

*Two guitar amps and a bass amp

*Various percussion including a fully equipped acoustic drum set

*A Roland V-Drums electronic drum set

*An electric piano console and Yamaha organ

*A MicroKorg Synthesizer

*A Tuba, Trombone, Cornet, Saxophone, and Flute

*An extensive physical and virtual music library

*A recording system that students are not only welcome to use but encouraged to

Jesse M.

Jesse M.

About Zander W.

About Zander

I am a Nashville session musician, sideman and music teacher. I received a Bachelor of Music degree in Commercial Music with a Composition and Arranging Emphasis from Belmont University and I am currently pursuing a Masters in Music at MTSU. Coming from a family of Classical and Jazz musicians, I have been exposed to music my whole life. Over the years I have had the opportunity to play and record with many great bands and artists ranging from Country/Bluegrass to Rock to Jazz. I teach all genres of guitar, bass, banjo ukulele and mandolin.

*** Lesson Details ***I believe the ability to play an instrument is only part of musicianship. I also strive to teach my students the theory behind the music they learn. I work hard to make sure that my students are doing everything in the easiest way possible. I want to ensure that they are

able to progress quickly enough so that they can see the difference. The most rewarding moment as a teacher is when a student points out how hard something once was and how easy it has become.

*** Studio Equipment ***Music store environment. No pets.

*** Travel Equipment ***I travel with all teaching equipment needed but a music stand is recommended for the lessons and for practicing.

*** Specialties ***I am a very versatile teacher and player but I am often recommended based on my knowledge of Gypsy Jazz, Swing, bluegrass, country and rock teaching acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, mandolin and ukulele

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Reviews

Suzana October 17, 2016·Classical Guitar·In studio

Wonderful instructor! I'm finally getting rid of my old bad habits. I very much look forward to every new lesson. Highly recommended.

Cate June 22, 2016·Classical Guitar·In studio

Zander is extremely knowledgable and has the ability to communicate that knowledge in an easy tower and way. Great teacher!

David Otto June 20, 2016·Ukulele·In studio

I am a first time stringed instrument student. Zander has a talent for structuring lessons to make me 'work' to see progress. He is patient and answers my questions in a manner that make sense. I'm fortunate to have connected with him. Given his multi instrument proficiency and obvious knowledge base I can't help but recommend his teaching skills.

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Zander W.

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Zander W.

Online

(4)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Jared J.

I'm comfortable teaching the banjo in a variety of styles but will typically start in Bluegrass. I can teach both Scruggs style finger picking and basic to intermediate Clawhammer. My comfort zone is higher in the Scruggs style of playing however.

I also teach beginning to advanced Irish Tenor Banjo (GDAE Tuning) and Tenor Banjo (CGDA Tuning). Though it looks similar to the 5-string bluegrass banjo, the Irish Tenor Banjo and Tenor have only 4 strings and are played with a traditional guitar pick (a "plectrum" - though a "plectrum" banjo is tuned different then these other 2) and strummed rather then plucked with individual fingers.

I can teach the Plectrum Banjo as well (CGBD Tuning) but will be teaching you on a 5 string banjo that I only play with four strings.

About Jared

I am overjoyed and grateful to say I have been playing music for more than half of my life. It has never stopped being the light in my day and now it is my hope to shed some of that light onto you or your child. I am a very friendly and fun teacher with a great deal of professionalism and patience, even more importantly I love teaching and music with a passion.

I have been playing an instrument since the 4th grade (cello) and, as I learned more about how music works, was slowly able to pick-up a greater variety instruments with an increasing degree of ease. In high school, I decided to pick-up the guitar just to "have fun and rock out". I joined a band, played in the high school orchestra, joined the high school jazz band and began to practice songwriting and cover songs. Still, it was not until after I took my first class on music the

ory that I knew how much I not only loved the thrill of playing music but the discovery of how it worked. With this experience I can show you or your child why learning an instrument can be not only an exciting experience but an interesting and enthralling one as well.

I have been teaching music for over 7 years and have had the privilege of teaching children as young as 4 to adults in their late 80's. I am a very attentive teacher who can not only help get you moving in the right direction but keep you on that path until your are a self-sufficient musician. A level of musicianship that simply means you can learn whatever you want on your instrument on your own, whether it be for business, pleasure or for mere self-improvement.

Through my own student career in private lessons I had the chance to study with graduates of the Musician's Institute (MI), the California Institute of the Arts (CAL Arts) and Berklee College of Music. This has provided me with an inside look into how and what each institute teaches, as well as a first hand look at the techniques and ideas that the great players from these remarkable schools have come to produce.

My formal music education consists of 2 years at Pasadena City College where I obtained my general Associates Degree (much of the studies included music) and a semester at California State University Long Beach as a Jazz Guitar Performance Major. Additionally, I completed a great deal of California State University Long Beach's teaching credential program (focusing on the teaching of history/social studies), where I learned strategies and theories of how and what to teach my students - making me that much more knowledgable of my craft. At Pasadena City College I studied with jazz/classical guitarist, Ron Berman, who has played with such jazz greats as Herb Ellis and Jimmy Wyble. At Cal State Long Beach I studied with jazz guitarist Ron Eschete, a former teacher at MI who has toured with the likes of Ray Brown, John Dizzy Gillespie and Jim Hall.

Most importantly I hope to show you or your child a new way to love and appreciate music. And to provide you with the ability and know-how to have the most fun on your instrument as possible.

*** Lesson Details ***Throughout my lessons, I always encourage basic skills including scales, sight-reading and technical exercises. But what I hope to give all my students is a basic understanding of music and their instrument, providing them with a practical ability to navigate the vast world of music for a lifetime.

Beyond these skills, I always have songs, styles and theory for you to work on but I am often more interested in what you as an individual want to learn on your instrument. Getting to learn concepts that you have chosen yourself will help encourage practice and will make the finished product all the more the rewarding.

I can custom tailor a teaching curriculum and/or style for any of my students: we can focus on learning songs, learning to read, how to write music, how music works, and even how to play specific styles of music (including funk, rock, jazz, Latin, flamenco, classical, country and blues). I also self tailor my own worksheets and set weekly goals with my students to help encourage practice, understanding and progress. For students interested in more advanced concepts, I can also teach ear training, music theory, advanced jazz improvisation as well as advanced playing techniques.

Jared J.

Jared J.

About Sam K.

About Sam

I play and teach Guitar (Electric/Acoustic), Bass (Electric/Upright), 5-String Banjo (Bluegrass and Old-timey), Violin/Fiddle, Mandolin, Dobro, Pedal Steel Guitar and Lap Steel Guitar, Ukulele, Piano and Piano Accordion. I have been teaching in the Pittsburgh area for over 20 years and owned my music studio/store for over 10 years. I have instructional book/cd(s) and instruments for purchase or rentals usually available on-site. I am experienced and friendly. Parking lot is free and off-street.

...

Reviews

Katharina K. June 18, 2018·Accordion·Online

Sam is very patient with this novice student and has given great practice tips for improvement.

Marc S. October 8, 2016·Fiddle·In studio

Great first lesson with Sam. Learned a lot the entire way through

Karen May 27, 2016·Banjo·In studio

I went into banjo lessons not knowing if I could master the instrument or not, being nearly 70 years old. While by no means a master (and never going to be), I have learned so much from Sam and he has shown such patience with me. I often leave my lessons wondering how he ever puts up with me - but he does. His encourgement, laid-back style, expertise and knowledge of music (plus theory) and the banjo is impressive. His good nature makes my lessons so much more pleasant. I would say Sam is a a great teacher for both a beginner or an accomplished musician or in between. He likes to talk and demonstrate (nice and slowly if requested) so I would recommend hour-long lessons at first.

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Sam K.

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Sam K.

Oakdale, PA 15071

(8)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

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About Victor S.

I offer banjo for children and adults of all levels, from first time players to very advanced players. I offer lessons teaching three-finger Scruggs, Melodic and Reno-Style bluegrass banjo. I can provide a complete curriculum including tabs/sheet music or I can can give personalized lessons on skills or music of your choice. I teach both playing by ear and tablature. I can also prepare students to play in bands and jams.

About Victor

I am a professional teacher and performer based out of the San Francisco Bay Area. I have been teaching guitar, banjo, and mandolin professionally since 2004. I have performed on all of these instruments and have played at numerous music festivals throughout the United States as well as teaching at many music camps on the West Coast. I am currently performing in bands on electric guitar, banjo, and mandolin as well as recording sessions with many many excellent musicians.

...

Reviews

Shani October 25, 2018·Acoustic Guitar·In studio

Victor has been very helpful. He found my daughter the right size of guitar for her to start with. So far she has been learning chords and learning to strum. She has been enjoying it and we are looking forward to next week

Terry October 22, 2018·Guitar·Online

Helped me learn the basics of guitar and has helped me to learn songs that I like on my own. Very friendly and helpful.

Hailey October 22, 2018·Mandolin·Online

I have been taking guitar and mandolin lessons from Victor for around two years. I had originally started on guitar and eventually became interested in learning mandolin. He has been nothing short of accommodating both in my schedule and musically. Highly Recommended.

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Victor S.

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Victor S.

Online

(9)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

About Ani K.

About Ani

Lessons are tailored to the students' level and goal. Caring and compassionate instructor. Your dream is my dream and I will diligently work with you to help you on your path. If you have the will to learn and practice, you will see improvements and achievements. ​I've been teaching music to children and adults for about 20 years both privately and at teaching studios.I have played as a substitute church pianist, ballet accompanist, and have spent the last four years playing for a variety of private and corporate events and weddings.

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Reviews

Teresa November 19, 2018·Violin·Online

Robert N. July 10, 2018·Guitar·In studio

Amazing teacher, fantastic personality, excellent with my two kids! Very flexible with schedule, we are super happy with Ani!

Angella W. May 3, 2018·Guitar·In studio

Today is my first day with Ani, not too much to say yet, but I gave her a four because of her knowledge and patience

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Ani K.

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Ani K.

Online

(9)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About Shane F.

I am a 38-year-old award-winning banjo player Playing Irish Tenor Banjo, Fiddle, Mandolin & Guitar for over 30 Years & teaching for 15 years. I have performed over 5000 live shows with some of the biggest names in Irish Music. I perform regularly around the USA but mainly Central Florida and Perform at Walt Disney World on a regular basis.

About Shane

I am a world champion Fiddle Player. I also am an award-winning Mandolin, Banjo & Guitar Player. I have over 100,000 views for my online lessons on Social Media. I love teaching all standards and ages and enjoy making, learning music fun experience. It is not necessary to read music to play at an incredibly high standard, although I do now read music I started learning by ear. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and teaching. Thanks.

...

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Shane F.

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Shane F.

Online

starting at

$42
/ 30-min

About Jim P.

I'm a 45 year veteran of the bluegrass banjo, having played with The Bee Creek Boys, The Front Porch Boys, Whitehouse Harmony, Eazy Pickinz, and DeAnn Spence and Full House. I also play rhythm guitar, some lead and flatpick guitar, dobro, and a little mandolin. I played in the Front Porch Boys with Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett in the 70'sI've been teaching for over 30 years, and most of my students are beginners.

About Jim

My teaching style is very relaxed, and student driven. A typical session consists of the student showing me what they have learned over the last week, me asking them what they want to do next, followed by me providing the tablature and sound file for the next piece to work on. I specialize in beginners. In fact, nearly all my students are beginners.

I'm a 45 year veteran of the bluegrass banjo, having played with The Bee Creek Boys, The Front Porch Boys (Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett), Whitehouse Harmony, Eazy Pickinz, and DeAnn Spence and Fullhouse. I also teach rhythm guitar, some lead and flatpick guitar, dobro, and mandolin.

...

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Jim P.

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Jim P.

Online

starting at

$50
/ 30-min

About Joshua K.

Josh has been playing and performing music for over 13 years. He has achieved a bachelor's degree in instrumental music education and has experience as an instructor teaching private students and group classes for over 7 years. He has studied instrumental music education including areas of classical music, jazz, theory, history, and improvisation.

During the lessons, topics that are covered include learning reading techniques incorporating standard notation and tablature, and playing styles such as using a pick, finger-style, using finger picks, slap, tapping, and various pizzicato techniques.

About Joshua

Experienced with students of all ages, backgrounds, and styles.

Josh has been playing and performing music for over 13 years. He has achieved a bachelor's degree in instrumental music education and has experience as an instructor teaching private students and group classes for over 7 years. He has studied instrumental music education including areas of classical music, jazz, theory, history, and improvisation.

During the lessons, topics that are covered include learning reading techniques incorporating standard notation and tablature, and playing styles such as using a pick, finger-style, using finger picks, slap, tapping, and various pizzicato techniques.

Affordable rates, great locations, and an open availability to make organizing around your schedule an easy process. Mornings, afternoons, and evenings; Monday through Sunday. Parent

Affordable

Effective

Banjo Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Banjo instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Karen

"I went into banjo lessons not knowing if I could master the instrument or not, being nearly 70 years old. While by no means a master (and never going to

be), I have learned so much from Sam and he has shown such patience with me. I often leave my lessons wondering how he ever puts up with me - but he does. His encourgement, laid-back style, expertise and knowledge of music (plus theory) and the banjo is impressive. His good nature makes my lessons so much more pleasant. I would say Sam is a a great teacher for both a beginner or an accomplished musician or in between. He likes to talk and demonstrate (nice and slowly if requested) so I would recommend hour-long lessons at first."

...

Pittsburgh, PA teacher:
Sam K.

Review by D. B.

"Four lessons with Sam have been amazing. I had previous banjo lessons and plodded from one song to the next. Sam has expanded the entire scope of music

for me. I continue with the lesions and enjoy music much more"

...

Pittsburgh, PA teacher:
Sam K.

Review by Peggy

"My daughter has never played a musical instrument before and decided she wanted to play the banjo. After 3 lessons with Sam, I am truely amazed how far al

ong she has come. I would highly recommend Sam to any child or an adult. My daughter so enjoys her banjo lessons weekly with Sam."

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